Days are getting shorter and nights are getting colder. On the street, leaves fall and drizzle, which means that autumn has come again and its constant companions - colds and SARS. A cold dad came home from work, a neighbor sneezed in the elevator, someone nearby in the public transport coughed loudly and blew their nose - and now the whole family is sick. If a cough and a runny nose pester your baby during the day, and at night do not let you fall asleep, it's time to get a nebulizer from the shelf. What it is? How to make inhalations when coughing with a nebulizer for a child? What are the contraindications? Is it possible to do cough inhalations for children at home?
What is a nebulizer?
Remember one of the common pictures of your childhood when, during a cold, your mother covered you with a thick blanket with a boiling pan, added potato or Zvezdochka balm there - depending on the qualification of the treating mother - and you were breathing with teary eyes over an improvised home "inhaler"?
Those distant times are long gone, and today in almost every house where there is a child, a nebulizer has settled - an apparatus that turns liquid medicine into an aerosol and delivers it through the larynx through the trachea to the bronchi and bronchioles. Mucosal edema decreases, medications have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve sputum discharge, and the baby feels better. Thus, a child's cough inhalation is a quick and effective way to help him cope with the disease.
The first nebulizer was presented to the public by Seils-Gerons in France in 1858. He worked on the principle of a bicycle pump. In 1864, the inhaler was improved and introduced to the inhabitants of Germany. And only by 1930 did atomizers begin to take on the form we were familiar with and work on electricity. In 1964, an ultrasonic nebulizer was first tested, the principle of operation of which is still currently used in humidifiers.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of the inhaler is based on dispersed spraying of the drug, which is fed to the patient through a mask or a special tube-mouthpiece. Since the drug is sprayed onto the microparticles, the active substance is delivered almost instantly to the accumulation of sputum and is easily absorbed by the body.
Types of Nebulizers
The modern market offers us a huge assortment of nebulizers. It is very difficult for an ignorant person to navigate in all this variety and choose a suitable inhaler. Let's try to figure out which one is better.
Ultrasonic nebulizer
Such an inhaler creates an aerosol using a system of resonant vibrations. The size of the sprayed particles does not exceed 5 microns. Such particles can penetrate the trachea and bronchi, but the effect on the bronchioles will be minimal.
The obvious advantage of this device is the absence of noise during operation and the small size.
Ultrasonic nebulizers are great for inhalation with saline when coughing in children. Unfortunately, they are not intended for spraying antibiotics, corticosteroids and sputum thinners, as they destroy their structure. This extremely limits their scope.
Compressor Nebulizers
Compressor nebulizers are the most common type of inhalation device. In them, the drug is converted into a fine suspension using a directed air flow. The main disadvantage of such devices is the high noise level.
The inhaler consists of two parts: a container where the medicine is poured, and a compressor. Suspension is formed at the moment of meeting the air flow and fluid. The medicine in the form of tiny drops ranging in size from 1 to 5 micrometers is inhaled by the patient through a mask or tube.
Compared with ultrasonic compressor inhalers are designed for a wider range of drugs. Any means suitable for nebulizer therapy can be poured into them, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics.
Compressor nebulizers are quite bulky and heavy - the device can weigh up to two kilograms. Such devices are very non-mobile, since they work from a direct current source, but are relatively cheap and reliable.
All compressor nebulizers can be divided into three types regarding their principle of operation:
Convection. These are continuous inhalers. After activating the "Start" button, the inhaler begins to produce aerosol. Part of the drug is dispersed in the air.
Manual nebulizers. In such inhalers, aerosol is also produced continuously, while the patient activates the flow of medication by pressing the “inhale” button.
Respiratory devices. Such nebulizers have a specially designed valve that opens upon inhalation, and aerosol production is simultaneously activated.
Dosimetric nebulizers. The most modern model of an inhalation device. Such devices have a special electronic sensor that responds to inspiration. Such models are quite expensive, but according to studies provide a qualitatively different level of inhalation.
Convection models are recommended for inhalation when coughing with a nebulizer for children and the elderly, as they have insufficient inspiratory force to use any other valve inhalers.
Membrane Inhalers
Membrane models (or mesh nebulizers) combine the advantages of ultrasonic and compressor nebulizers. They do not make noise, small enough to be mobile, allow you to work with any medications and solutions.
The basis of such a device is an electronic network through which an inhaled substance passes through ultra-low-frequency vibrations. Mesh sprayers can run on batteries. The device itself is quite tight - this is the only nebulizer model that allows you to perform the procedure in a lying position. This is a definite plus when working with people bedridden.
A membrane inhaler has only one significant drawback - its high cost. Such a device will cost the buyer almost three times more expensive than its compression or ultrasonic counterpart.
Choose a nozzle
A set of nebulizers, as a rule, includes several different nozzles:
Masks (one for children and one for adults). They are used for inhalation of young children or patients bedridden. They are convenient to use, but during the procedure, a significant part of the drug is dispersed into the environment. Part of the drug may settle on the patient’s skin, which is undesirable for babies.
It is ideal to use a mask for a nebulizer when inhaling saline for children with cough.
Mouthpieces. A similar nozzle is recommended for babies over 6 years old, adolescents and adults. With its use, almost all the medicine is delivered to the destination - to the bronchi and alveoli, thereby achieving the best effect from inhalation.
Nasal tubules. A thin bifurcated tube designed to be inserted into the nose. When using this nozzle, the drug settles mainly on the nasal mucosa and in the sinuses. Such inhalation with a wet cough in children will not help, but it will relieve rhinitis, sinusitis and significantly facilitate the course of sinusitis.
To choose the model of inhaler that is right for you and the necessary nozzle on the nebulizer, you need to consult with your otorhinolaryngologist. It will help you choose the device based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
Indications
There is still no unequivocal opinion among doctors of world practice whether to inhale a child with a cough and runny nose with a nebulizer or not. It is believed that when inhaled, the amount of active substance that enters the nasal mucosa is extremely small and cannot have any significant effect in the treatment of the common cold. While some luminaries of science claim that inhalation therapy is indicated only for obstructive bronchitis and false croup, others prescribe a nebulizer for any type of cough, and for babies up to a year, and with a runny nose.
Common mistakes when using a nebulizer
Self-medication.
You can not decide for yourself what inhalations a child coughs. First of all, the baby should be shown to the attending physician so that he can determine what kind of cough the patient has, how viscous sputum, whether there is a narrowing of the bronchi or swelling of the mucous tissue. Only on the basis of all the data listed above, the doctor can choose a drug that will be most effective in this case.
Inhalation with oil solutions.
Do not add solutions to the nebulizer that are not intended for inhalation. Fats contained in oil solutions can clog the alveoli, settle on the walls of the bronchi and lead to irreparable consequences.
To be inhaled too often.
How many times a day, how long and how to make inhalations when coughing with a nebulizer for a child is decided only by the attending physician. Most drugs should be used no more than three times a day. However, some need to be used every six hours. All the subtleties and nuances are familiar only to a specialist.
Consider temperature as a contraindication for inhalation.
Remember the steam inhalations that we talked about at the very beginning? The ban applies only to them. They can increase fever, cause severe tissue swelling and complicate coughing. Using modern nebulizers for inhalation when coughing for children during the heat is completely safe.
Use one inhaler for the whole family.
The fine suspension that the nebulizer forms may contain microbes and bacteria that the previous patient left on the mask or tube. Therefore, using one inhaler for everyone is at least unhygienic. In the best case, it is worth buying a separate mask for each family member, or at least thoroughly washing the equipment every time after use.
Inhalation technology
Despite the apparent simplicity of the treatment procedure, parents should take into account that inhalations should be carried out in compliance with the following rules:
you can not inhale a child earlier than two hours after eating;
the baby should wear loose clothing that will not impede movement or breathing;
Do not give any mucolytic drugs before the procedure;
if a mask is used for inhalation, and not a mouthpiece, after the procedure, the baby should be thoroughly washed;
It is not recommended to feed the baby for half an hour after the procedure;
You can not carry out the procedure later than four hours before bedtime.
Scheme of inhalation:
An adult needs to wash his hands with soap.
Wash all parts of the nebulizer thoroughly, it is advisable to boil them or pour over boiling water.
Assemble the inhaler with clean hands.
Pour the medicine into the container at the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Dilute the drug with saline to the concentration indicated by the attending otorhinolaryngologist or pediatrician.
It is convenient to sit down, it is advisable to put the baby on your lap.
Use a mask for the baby or a mouthpiece for older children.
Turn on the inhaler and track the time.
After the procedure, be sure to wash the child's face.
The dosage, duration, frequency of inhalation, as well as the duration of treatment should be prescribed by the attending physician of the child based on the collected history, severity of the disease and the age of the baby.
Mineral water
For most children, cough inhalation at home helps. If you notice the first signs of a cold in your baby - a slight runny nose or cough, be sure to sign up to the doctor. At the same time, while waiting for an appointment with a doctor, you can start inhalation with mineral water. Use the mineral water “Narzan”, “Essentuki” No. 4 and No. 17, “Borjomi” for this. This will slightly dry the nasal mucosa and stimulate the release of sputum.
For inhalation, it is necessary to pour 2-4 milliliters of pre-prepared mineral water into a clean nebulizer tank. It is recommended to carry out inhalation for 3-5 minutes no less than three times a day. It is quite possible to avoid the disease at the early start of therapy.
Isotonic solution
Isotonic solution (saline) is very widely used in medical practice. Doctors prescribe it to replenish water balance or detoxify, use it to wash wounds and dilute drugs. Many people know that saline is extremely effective for colds as a means to rinse the nose.
Inhalation with saline to children when coughing with a nebulizer is similar to inhalation with mineral water. Often, it helps to solve the problem at the very initial stage and prevent the development of the disease.
Dosage of inhalation with saline to children with cough: 2-4 ml of the solution approximately every 4 hours.
Saline solution can be easily prepared independently - just mix 9 grams of ordinary table salt and 1 liter of cooled boiled water. The resulting mixture will be an isotonic solution. If desired, you can replace table salt with sea salt. The concentration of nutrients in sea salt is very high and therefore inhalation with such a solution will bring even greater benefit. Inhalation with saline when coughing in children helps with both dry and wet cough.
Berodual
With a dry cough, a child can be inhaled with a solution of Berodual. It must also be used under the supervision of a physician. “Berodual” has established itself as an extremely effective remedy for bronchospasm, therefore, in most cases, inhalation during coughing in a child, “Berodual” is prescribed for obstructive bronchitis, bronchiectatic pulmonary disease, laryngitis and asthma. It becomes easier after 10 minutes after the procedure.
The standard dosage for children over 12 years old and adults is 1-2 milliliters (or 20-40 drops) up to four times a day, but not more than 8 ml.
For children under 12 years of age, the dose of the drug should be reduced. In children 6-12 years old, the maximum dose of the drug is 2 milliliters of solution, divided into 4 inhalations per day.
For babies under 6 years of age, the dosage is calculated based on body weight. Moreover, the total volume should not be higher than 0.5 ml per procedure.
Berodual can be used to treat cough in infants. The dosage in such cases is selected individually by the attending physician.
Atrovent
Another effective remedy for inhalation with a dry cough for children is the Atrovent drug solution. He is appointed by the pediatrician’s attending pediatrician if inhalation with Berodual has not been successful.
This drug should be used with caution. In the treatment of children under 5 years of age, the use of Atrovent is prohibited. For children under 12 years old, Atrovent is prescribed 10-20 drops diluted to a volume of 4 ml. Inhalations are carried out only under the supervision of medical staff.
Salgim (solution)
"Salgim" in the form of a solution is a rather rare means of inhalation with a dry cough. He is prescribed to children with caution. As a rule, it is necessary for exacerbation of asthma or in advanced cases of obstructive bronchitis. This medicine is not suitable for cough inhalation in children at home - treatment is carried out strictly in a hospital. For one inhalation, 2.5 milliliters of the drug is required. The minimum interval between procedures should be at least 6 hours.
Ambrobene
In the previous sections, we figured out how to do inhalations with a dry cough for a child. If a dry cough turns into a wet one and becomes productive, which means that it is time to change the tactics of treatment. Usually, the doctor prescribes mucolytics - drugs that increase the amount of sputum and improve its discharge. One of these drugs is Ambrobene, one of the trade names for Ambroxol. It should be used only when prescribed and under the supervision of a physician.
"Ambrobene" is a solution that can be used both orally and as an inhalation. It is prescribed for acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma. Inhalation of a child with a cough with Ambrobene is carried out according to the following scheme:
children under two years of age are inhaled with 30 drops of the solution twice a day;
children from 2 to 5 years old - 45 drops of the drug twice a day;
children over 5 years old and adults - 70-80 drops of the drug three times a day.
It must be taken into account that during inhalation, the medicine must be diluted with saline to a volume of 5 milliliters. It is not recommended to use therapy with Ambrobene for longer than 4-5 days. , , .
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